How to Replace a Range Igniter

Step 1: Confirm the igniter is the likely problem

1. Make sure the range has power and the gas supply to the appliance is on.
2. Set the oven to bake and watch through the bottom burner area if visible, or listen for what happens during startup.
3. A failing igniter often glows but the burner does not light, takes a long time to light, or lights with a delayed whoosh after an unusually long glow period.
4. If the igniter never glows at all, it may still be bad, but a control, wiring, or safety valve problem is also possible.

If it works: The oven symptoms point to a weak or failed range igniter.

If it doesn’t: If surface burners and the oven both have gas or power problems, solve that supply issue first before replacing the igniter.

Step 2: Shut the range down and open the burner area

1. Turn the oven and all burners off.
2. Unplug the range or switch off power at the breaker.
3. Close the gas shutoff valve if you can access it safely.
4. Remove the oven racks.
5. Lift out the oven bottom panel and any flame spreader or burner cover needed to reach the igniter.
6. Use a flashlight to note how the igniter is mounted and how its wires are routed.

Step 3: Remove the old igniter

1. Take a photo of the igniter position, bracket, and wire routing before disconnecting anything.
2. Remove the igniter mounting screws while supporting the part so it does not drop and crack.
3. Disconnect the igniter plug if it has one.
4. If the igniter is hard-wired, cut the old wires one at a time near the old igniter so you keep as much harness length as possible.
5. Pull the old igniter out carefully without hitting the carbide element against metal surfaces.

Step 4: Install the new igniter

1. Handle the new igniter gently and avoid touching the carbide element more than necessary.
2. Position the new igniter in the same direction and location as the old one so the glowing tip sits where the burner can light properly.
3. Install the mounting screws snugly without overtightening and cracking the igniter base.
4. Connect the wiring. If it is a plug-in style, seat the connector fully. If it is a splice style, strip only enough insulation for the connector and use the supplied high-heat ceramic connectors or equivalent high-temperature connectors.
5. Route the wires away from the burner flame path and any sharp metal edges.

Step 5: Reassemble the oven and restore power

1. Reinstall the burner cover, flame spreader, oven bottom panel, and racks.
2. Open the gas shutoff valve if you closed it earlier.
3. Plug the range back in or turn the breaker on.
4. Set the oven to bake and watch the first ignition cycle through the burner openings or listen closely.

If it doesn’t: If the oven does not start a bake cycle at all, recheck power, the control setting, and the igniter connection you just made.

Step 6: Verify the repair holds in real use

1. Start a bake cycle and confirm the igniter glows and the burner lights within a normal short startup period.
2. Let the oven cycle a few times to make sure ignition stays consistent after the burner shuts off and relights.
3. Listen for smooth ignition instead of a delayed boom or whoosh.
4. Cook or preheat long enough to confirm the oven reaches and maintains temperature normally.

If it works: The burner lights reliably and the oven heats normally, so the range igniter replacement held.

If it doesn’t: If the igniter glows but the burner still will not light or lights very late, the issue may be the gas safety valve, control circuit, or incorrect replacement igniter.